Deloris G. "Grace" Nelson

Fondly known as "Grace" throughout England. So, for the purpose of this eulogy, we will refer to her as Grace. In Jamaica as a child, she was Gracie. Same person just a different title. As we always say although christened Gracie her name was quickly shortened to Grace, maybe everyone in the district knew she would grow up to be truly the amazing Grace.
Gracie Deloris Brown was born on Tuesday October 15, 1946, to Cislyn Brown and Arnold Watts. She was born in Caledonia, Westmorland, Jamaica. Both her parents lived in a small hamlet, called New Town. There she attended the Primary school near Darlaston until she was 15 years old. From a young age Grace, Linda, Jennifer and I lived with our grandmother Ada-Pink. Life was not always easy living with Ada our grandmother. She ran a very tight and disciplined household. Regardless of age or gender you were expected to pull your weight, step out of line at your own peril. In the morning before school, you were expected to go to the pond and bring two buckets of water for washing and cooking. This was before breakfast, and sometimes twice on a Friday due to sabbath.
We all attended the Seven-day Adventist church where Grace was part of the choir and evening practice took place often until it was dark. Her faith played a central role in her life from an early age, as she was a devoted member of the Seven-day Adventist church in the district. Never missing a day of worship, this dedication to her faith would remain a constant throughout her life
To get home from church required her, and friends to pass a row of cotton trees 'generally known as hanging trees. These trees were situated about 200 yards from our house. Grace would be the first to the house, her turn of speed was lightning. Grace has always had athletic abilities and fantastic strength. If in her teens skipping was an Olympic sport, she would be a contender for a medal. Even in later life her nieces were shocked that their aunty could skip so cool. Graces party piece was to pick items off the floor whilst skipping to the rhythm.
In 1963, she arrived in England and Grace quickly secured a job with a company called 'Tin Box' making various types of tins for chocolates, baked beans and shoe polish tins. Grace enjoyed her role at 'Tin Box' specially making shoe polish tins. It was whilst here she met one of her lifelong friends 'Pearly' they remained friends forever. When I speak to Pearly, she always asks the same question "when is your sister coming back to England tell her a miss her?" To this, I reply, I know. By 1967 I had joined Grace & our mother in England, due to the size of the house we quickly moved to a large house elsewhere. This house allowed us to develop as a family. However, in the area there was only one other black family which made things tough for us in the beginning but with sister mallet and Grace on the case this quickly changed. Many of the locals would try to racially and verbally abuse Grace but she wasn't having any of it. Grace would look them in the eye and tell them straight "if I give you one, you won't want two". Those of us who knew Grace knew exactly what that meant "hospital food."
Before making the big leap across the pond on a girl's night out at the 'Silver star' Bradford Grace met Neville Nelson, and we all know where this is going. During their courtship Grace made some true and genuine friendships with Becker, Maisie, and Janie. She spent a lot of time around these ladies. They're Nevilles two sisters and niece. Maisie and Janie have sadly passed In 1981 Grace travelled to the USA to start the process to obtain citizenship, whilst here on her working permit, she began working for a care provider Ridgewood who would later sponsor her for her visa. Grace had found her calling as she was a natural in the care profession. At the end of her work permit trial in 1982, she returned to England and continued with her courtship with Neville. And now the part you have all been waiting for- in September 1983 Neville and Grace tied the knot at Huddersfield registry office with people she loved; her favorite big sister Ivy, Becker, Maisie, Janie, Icema, Winnie, Ms. Una and Hilton Depass and myself. A few weeks later Grace returned to start the paperwork to bring her husband over. Davis managed to join her in Nov 1983. He managed to secure employment at a plastic manufacturing company.
They all lived together at the infamous 125 Carbon Street, Davis & Grace resided on the ground floor whilst mum and Mr. Mallett lived upstairs. Later Ashley Mallett would also be living with them on the top floor. Over the years the house was always full of life with visitors from England, Jamaica and surrounding states.
In 2006, between us we decided we would give her a birthday not to forget. We planned a 17-night Caribbean cruise for her. So, she could celebrate her birthday on the ship, all who knew Grace can tell you she truly enjoyed the experience. From boarding in NY Grace was like a schoolgirl with her infectious laughter and excitement. Arriving at the dockside, Grace took one look at the ship and said, "that big thing, that nah float" to which I replied, "trust me it will". Once on board she soon settled down and realized it was like been in one of her favorite malls. By 2016, America got a new president, this did not please Grace. She would refer to him as that crack pot. Whilst I would joke with her and say until you get a new president, I won't be visiting America anytime soon. Regardless of their color. Other than talking about politics, we contacted each other regularly via what's app- although Grace took a while to understand not to leave the phone on the table and walk away. Often Grace would leave the phone on the table and go to the kitchen or take calls on the landline whilst forgetting she was on WhatsApp.
Well in 2019 Grace finally decided to retire after 40 years working for Ridgewood care home. She was truly loved by the patient's, her colleagues and ride buddies. Grace would collect her cousin Linda on most mornings ensuring she got to work on time. Even on her days off she would still make sure, all her rides got to work on time.
Sadly in 2022, Grace was to experience devastating news from around the world. Firstly, the sad news of our brother Neville passing then within two weeks her big sister Ivy and then little sister Cheryl (nickname Chubby) this completely rocked her to the core, Grace would recover but it had taken its toll on her.
March 2024 her nephew travelled to America as he was very mindful of her increasing decline. Whilst in America he managed to rally some energy back into her. Unfortunately, his visit was short but most memorable, for Grace was so happy to see him, she began to move more freely and when possible, spoke on the phone. April saw a further decline in her health so, her nieces Karen from Georgia and Alicia, her niece from England came to visit.
Both, having a medical background, were extremely concerned regarding her rapid decline in health so, during their visit with Grace, they consulted with her medical professionals to discuss, rectifying the use of certain medications and what maybe causing her health issues. By July we are hearing nothing positive regarding her condition, on July 27th 2024 Natalie and I arrived in America and proceeded directly to the hospital to see her, we managed to make 3 visits.
Gracie Deloris Nelson departed this life on Tuesday July 30th, 2024.
Therefore, as we bid farewell to our sister Grace, we celebrate a life rich in experiences, faith, and community spirit. Her journey from Jamaica to England then on to America, the families supported in these three countries and the bonds she formed are a testament to her strength and resilience. Her legacy lives on through the lives she touched and the families she nurtured. We will surely miss you Grace in the words of your husband "go, go but go in peace. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the beauty she so loved to create, both in her community and in the lives of those around her.
She leaves loving memories to her husband; Neville Nelson, brother; Lincoln Oakley, cousins; Linda, Jenifer and Veronica, 8 nephews, 10 nieces, 10 Grand nephews, 10 grand nieces, 3 great grand nieces, many friends and colleagues.
Grace, from all of us, we thank you for enriching our lives, we love you and our lives will never be the same.
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